Lead-212 is recognized as a promising radionuclide for targeted alpha therapy for tumors. Many studies of 212Pb-labeling of various biomolecules through bifunctional chelators have been conducted. Another approach to exploiting the cytotoxic effect is coupling the radionuclide to a microparticle acting as a carrier vehicle, which could be used for treating disseminated cancers in body cavities. Calcium carbonate may represent a suitable material, as it is biocompatible, biodegradable, and easy to synthesize. In this work, we explored 212Pb-labeling of various CaCO3 microparticles and developed a protocol that can be straightforwardly implemented by clinicians. Vaterite microparticles stabilized by pamidronate were effective as 212Pb carriers; labeling yields of ≥98% were achieved, and 212Pb was strongly retained by the particles in an in vitro stability assessment. Moreover, the amounts of 212Pb reaching the kidneys, liver, spleen, and skeleton of mice following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration were very low compared to i.p. injection of unbound 212Pb2+, indicating that CaCO3-bound 212Pb exhibited stability when administered intraperitoneally. Therapeutic efficacy was observed in a model of i.p. ovarian cancer for all the tested doses, ranging from 63 to 430 kBq per mouse. Lead-212-labeled CaCO3 microparticles represent a promising candidate for treating intracavitary cancers.
Keywords: alpha therapy; calcium carbonate; lead-212; micrometastasis; microparticles; peritoneal carcinomatosis; radionuclide therapy; radiopharmaceutical.